About

I’m Megan Smith, Licensed Psychotherapist and mother of three. I specialize in working with children and families and use a combination of play therapy and cognitive behavioral strategies in my practice. I work together with occupational and speech therapists and incorporate many sensory integration and expressive language strategies as well.

For a bit about my background, I graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University with a degree in Psychology in 2001 and taught preschool for a year before pursuing my Masters in Social Work at Jane Adams School of Social Work at the University of Illinois-Chicago. My first post-graduate position was as a School Social Worker in a district serving a diverse population of students from ages 2-12. In this position, I worked with children with a wide array of mental health needs, as well those with Autism, Sensory Integration issues, and developmental delays. This experience provided me with a strong understanding of school systems, IEPs, and effective interventions in the school setting. I also served as the school district coordinator for a global social emotional wellness program in which I had the opportunity to consult with and train school administrators and teams to develop and implement emotional wellness supports to identify and address the needs of the entire school population. With these skills, I am able to offer my families support in navigating the IEP process and building a strong, collaborative relationship with school staff. Both my internships and my school social work position also included many opportunities to work with abused and neglected youth involved with the foster care system and living in group homes. Working with those children and systems offered me a unique level of comfort in confronting significantly challenging and destructive behaviors, while understanding and treating the underlying trauma and attachment concerns from which they stem.

Soon after starting my family, a colleague encouraged me to launch my private practice to fill a desperate need for mental health support for multi-disciplinary clinics treating developmental disorders. I have since collaborated with several clinics in a treatment and supervisory capacity. I specialize in treating children with Autism, Anxiety, ADHD, Grief, and a history of abuse. However, I have experience helping children and adolescents facing a wide range of challenges. One of my favorite parts of my job is supporting fellow parents and caregivers. I know firsthand many of the challenges they are facing and enjoy the opportunity to enhance their understanding of the science of learning and behavior to help them understand their children’s behaviors, their own triggers, and most effective ways to support mental wellness and social/emotional development for all.

CONTACT INFO

Email: megansmithlcsw@gmail.com

Phone: (312) 317-2866

Primary clinic location: Express Yourself Therapy-887 E. Wilmette, Palatine, IL